Gilt Metal and Tortoiseshell Lorgnette, Probably Austrian, Late 19th Century
Price:2600 SEK231 EUR250 USDChange Currency
Width 5 cm (2 inches) x Length 13 cm (6 inches)
Lorgnette, probably Austrian, second half of the 19th century. Made of gilt metal with a long, slender handle veneered with tortoiseshell on both sides. The two round lenses are set in finely engraved frames with a decorative border. An openwork ornament connects the lenses to the handle, adding a refined detail to the design.
The lorgnette is fitted with a spring mechanism that opens the lenses for use and allows them to fold neatly against the handle. A small loop at the end was intended for a chain or ribbon.
Stamped “IMPORT” and with a separate mark showing a capital D with the number 3 inside. A finely made example with particularly well-executed details and mechanism.